Capitals Game 7 at Lightning: How to watch and what to watch for

There’s not much more to be said — just one game to be played.

The Washington Capitals take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. The winner will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final next week. The losing team’s season ends at the final horn.

The Capitals opened the series with two surprisingly dominant wins on the road, but lost two straight at home to let Tampa Bay back into the series. After the Lightning won their third straight in Game 5, the Capitals bounced back with a shutout win Monday in Washington.

That back-and-forth has reduced the whole series to the outcome of one Game 7. Here’s everything you need to know.

Opponent: Tampa Bay Lightning (series tied 3-3)

Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 23, 8 p.m.

Television: NBC Sports Network

Radio: FAN 106.7

Pre-game reading:

Watch Barry Trotz take the ’hot lap’ to kick off Capitals’ Game 7 practice, by Adam Zielonka

Capitals’ postseason going differently thanks to ’The Other Guys,’ by Adam Zielonka and Matthew Paras

Capitals need someone in Game 7 to take legendary ’one giant leap,’ by Thom Loverro

Capitals force Game 7 with hard-hitting home win over Lightning, by Adam Zielonka

Rock the white: Capitals’ physicality keeps them alive, by Matthew Paras

Holtby’s first shutout of season comes in Capitals’ most important game, by Adam Zielonka

Martinez, Nationals support Capitals’ run while Harper’s Golden Knights advance, by Adam Zielonka

What to watch for: The Capitals’ franchise record in Game 7s is 4-11, the worst record in the NHL for teams with at least 10 appearances. The Lightning’s record in Game 7s is 5-2, the best record for teams with at least 5 appearances … Washington was noticeably physical in Game 6, but that’s been indicative of the team’s performance throughout the postseason. Tom Wilson leads the NHL with 67 hits in the playoffs, and that is from playing just 15 games. Devante Smith-Pelly (66), Alex Ovechkin (61) and Brooks Orpik (59) are also in the top six in hits … The Capitals are hosting a Game 7 viewing party inside Capital One Arena Wednesday night, with the doors opening at 7 p.m. Entrance is free and beer will be on sale the first hour, but an RSVP is required here.